The Bay of Plenty Times has launched its annual Christmas Appeal supporting the Tauranga Community Foodbank.
A final count has revealed more than $300,000 worth of cash and food donations has been donated to the Tauranga Community Foodbank during the Bay of Plenty Times 2024 Christmas Appeal.
The record-breaking tally includes the most recently donated food items and final cash donations.
Nicki Goodwin, Tauranga Community Foodbank general manager, says everyone who contributed to this appeal should feel proud of themselves for supporting others in such a fundamental way. Photo / Alex Cairns
“The need for food support prior to Christmas was as expected, high. We expect that this will continue for the next several months.”
Cash donations exceeded those of 2023, with the $220,586.17 donated by the community up on 2023 by over $50,000.
Goodwin said financial donations were up 23% on 2023.
“This is phenomenal and wasn’t expected as we know that things are getting financially tougher for a lot of people and businesses.”
“I think what made it so successful was the people who returned each year to continue to support our community, and then there were many new donors who connected with us during the appeal,” she said.
Tauranga Crossing also contributed, collecting donations as part of its Christmas gift-wrapping service It presented a cheque of $6602.10 to the foodbank on Thursday.
Charlotte Clarke, marketing and communications at Tauranga Crossing, said the team believed in supporting their local community, and said the Tauranga Community Foodbank played a vital role in helping families experiencing tough times.
Lana Stretton, Tauranga Crossing marketing manager, and Nicki Goodwin, Tauranga Community Foodbank general manager, with Tauranga Crossing's $6000 donation added into the final appeal tally. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell
“We saw this as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to an organisation that makes a real difference in our community.
“It’s heartwarming to see the generosity of our customers and to know that together, we’re making a positive impact on the lives of others.
“We can help these organisations continue their vital work, especially during a time when demand for their services is at its peak,” she said.
The appeal aimed to replenish the foodbank’s shelves, offer Christmas treats to people who may otherwise have none and give the foodbank a financial boost coming into the new year.
A total of 32,106 food items were donated. For the tally, each item was valued at $3, higher than in previous years due to the increased cost of living, totalling $96,318 worth of food.
The combined record-breaking tally was $316,904.17.
Cooney Lees Morgan’s annual food drive marked the 12th year the law firm donated food items to the foodbank and also contributed with a $5000 cash donation.
Having been with the foodbank for more than a decade, Goodwin said her final message to the community was that everyone who contributed to the appeal should feel proud of themselves for supporting others in such a fundamental way.
“People are facing so many hardships and food is one that we can tackle together as a community.”
Bay of Plenty Times editor Kim Gillespie said it was fantastic to see the community - including readers, businesses, clubs and organisations - step up again to help those in need.
“No time’s a good time to be without, but Christmas can be especially tough for some. Thanks to the generosity of those who have given cash and food, and the hard work of Nicki Goodwin and the foodbank team, thousands of people have been and will be helped. Thank you.”
Kaitlyn Morrell is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.
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